11.04.08 – by James Slater: The shores of Great Britain will be treated to a very special visitor this coming month of May. None other than boxing legend “Iron” Mike Tyson himself will be in town for a series of after dinner speaking engagements. Kicking off the five date tour in the great city of Manchester on the 23rd, Mike will go on to meet and greet his fans in Carlisle, Birmingham, Gateshead and, finally, Doncaster..
Though ticket prices are likely to be on the hefty size, the dates will probably sell out fast – such is the continual fan obsession with the former heavyweight king who lit up the boxing scene like few before him. Mike is said to really like both Great Britain and its people. Indeed, this tour is not the first of its kind with Tyson involved. Mike visited the U.K for a similar series of speaking engagements back in 2005. This time, to add a greater significance to his trip, much of the money the dates make will be given to charities of Mike’s choice. These include Kirsty’s appeal in Manchester.
The ongoing fascination shown towards Mike Tyson goes to prove just what a huge and influential boxer/person he is. Though he has had more than his share of publicity for less than favourable reasons, Tyson is still a well liked and admired person in many eyes. Many that know him personally have spoken of his genuine nature and of his warmth and kindness. Maybe, just maybe, those people fortunate enough to be in the position to be able to afford to attend one of the upcoming tour dates will get to see this in person.
Mike is also expected to speak to the groups of fans and curious onlookers about the glory days of his once glittering career. The evenings, therefore, will likely be highlighted by a splendid sense of nostalgia. Taking his fans back to a time when he loved boxing, had no real problems to speak of and was himself loved and admired the world over as the single best fighter on the planet, pound-for-pound, Mike will surely be in good spirits.
Fans will also be afforded the opportunity to ask “Iron” Mike an individual question. That, to many avid boxing fans, will justify the price of admission. Of course, these kind of after dinner engagements are nothing new for retired boxing greats. Indeed legends such as Thomas Hearns and Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward have similar nights planned for the year in the U.K.
The very advert of “An evening with the one and only Mike Tyson” carries with it something that is very special, however.